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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Since we're trying to figure out what we need to
change so that more people will fly Pattern, I'd like to share some ideas with
everyone.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>As far as I'm concerned, there is really nothing
"wrong" with what we're doing. I don't think rule changes or easier schedules or
anything like that will lure more people into flying Pattern. If you just admit
that not everyone needs (or wants) to become a Pattern pilot, you'll be fine.
The object is to find the people with good flying skills and a competitive
spirit and expose them to Pattern. Here are some things that I've done that
ACTUALLY WORK:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. Go to the club field with a sport plane or a
warbird (leave your Pattern planes home!) and have fun flying with the clubbies.
Chances are you'll make some new friends. You can try to get them hooked on
pattern later...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. When you see someone struggling with a motor or
having an obvious trim issue, offer to help. But not in the usual "Let me show
you how it's done" manner. That creates resentment. Instead, say something like:
"Wow, that's the same thing that happened to me! Wanna see how I fixed it?"
Suddenly you're both on the same level. That's a better position to be
in.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>3. Go to non-Pattern type club events. A Fun
Fly or even a Scale Fly-In is actually a good way to relax and have fun. That's
what we're supposed to be doing with toy airplanes anyway. Usually you'll meet
people who ask how you learned to fly so well. Of course you know how to answer
that...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>4. Become a club flight instructor. This is very
rewarding and you can see who has the potential to fly Pattern before they get
distracted by other interests.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>5. Help out with a club event. Don't even fly. If
you have to cook burgers, then do it. In return, ask them to help YOU hold a
Pattern Primer.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>OK, there are 5 things that almost anyone can do. I
know, because I've done them all. Yeah it's kinda like "work" but it's not
that bad. So far in the 3 years that I've been flying Pattern, I've gotten 3
more people to join us (all NSRCA members now). If I can do it, anyone can.
The longest journey begins with the first step...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>John Pavlick<BR><A
href="http://www.idseng.com">http://www.idseng.com</A></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>